February 18th, 2010 by 
frgavin|
Thurs |
am: 37:1-18 |
Hab 3:1-18 |
Phil 3:12-21 |
Lk 9:22-25 |
Thursday After Ash Wednesday – Colman of Lindisfarne, Bishop and Missionary, 676
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: A disciple of St. Columba born in Connaught, Ireland. He was a bold voice at the Synod of Whitby defending the Celtic celebration of Gospel against those who insisted on the Roman rites and practices. He resisted the decision of Whitby and led a group of Irish and English monks to the Isle of Innishboffin, near Connaught and then onto Mayo. He was committed to the liturgy and formation and was highly regarded by the likes of Alcuin and St. Bede.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Jesus clearly states what we as Christian followers need to do in order to live in Christ. In the gospel story today Jesus says to his disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Like Colman centuries ago, at times stand against the tide of popularity for the conviction of the Gospel.
We must make a choice. This choice is between self-denial which is initially seen by us as a hardship; versus the call God gives to us to make it a lifestyle. God asks us to give up our lives to him daily, not just during Lent. He asks us to continue to choose to find him and become closer to him in order to spend eternal life with him and witness that promise to the world.
Lent is the time to name what the obstacles are in our life that is sinful, unhealthy and self-centered. The essential choice this season is a “change of heart” from the circumstances, attitudes, and other behaviors that contribute to my living outside the bounds of grace in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Lord, teach us to enter more deeply into the mysteries of this Holy Season that the power of this season may be more effective for ourselves and for the world as we seek the sacrament of salvation. Amen
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: ““For though I am bound for the name of Christ, I am not yet perfect in Jesus Christ. For now I begin to be a disciple, and I speak to you as fellow disciples with me. For it was needful for me to have been stirred up by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering”. – St. Ignatius of Antioch
